KEARNEY, Neb. – Griffon Soccer erased a two-goal halftime deficit with three unanswered second-half goals to defeat Nebraska-Kearney 3-2 on Friday afternoon at Ron & Carol Cope Stadium. The comeback victory was highlighted by senior Kendall Knisley, who became MWSU's all-time career assists leader with her 14th career assist.
With the victory, MoWest improved to 7-2-5 overall and 4-2-2 in MIAA play, while Nebraska-Kearney moved to 3-8-4 overall and 1-6-2 in conference action.
The Lopers jumped out to an early 2-0 advantage, scoring twice in the opening 12 minutes to take a two-goal lead into halftime.
Despite trailing by two goals at the break, Griffon Soccer responded with an offensive surge in the second half.
Sydney Puetz sparked the comeback in the 48th minute, finding the back of the net off an assist from Knisley to cut the deficit to 2-1. The assist marked the 14th of Knisley's career, officially making her the all-time career assists leader in Griffon Soccer history. Knisley surpassed former record holder Maddy Cowell, who recorded 13 career assists, while Sydney Cluck ranks third with 12.
Just four minutes later, Puetz struck again in the 52nd minute, scoring her second goal of the afternoon off an assist from Marielle Wright following an indirect free kick to even the match at 2-2.
MoWest completed the comeback in the 71st minute when Knisley converted a penalty kick to give MWSU its first lead of the contest, 3-2. The goal proved to be the game-winner as Griffon Soccer held off Nebraska-Kearney over the final 20 minutes.
MWSU outshot the Lopers 12-7 overall, including a 10-3 advantage in the second half. MoWest also held a 7-5 edge in corner kicks, with all seven coming after halftime.
Puetz led the offensive attack with two goals on three shots, while Knisley finished with one goal and one assist in her record-breaking performance. Wright also contributed an assist, while goalkeeper Morgan Byrd played all 90 minutes and recorded three saves to secure the road victory.
What's Next
Griffon Soccer wraps up its three-match road swing on Sunday, Oct. 18, taking on No. 8 Pittsburg State at 1 PM in Pittsburg, Kansas.
